Noticias y testimonios

At age 14, Tera, from Madagascar, bore the consequences of a burn accident. The lack of proper medical care caused a severe contracture that fused his foot and ankle, preventing him from wearing shoes and, most importantly, from playing soccer. Rejected on the field, Tera's greatest wish was to be accepted and seen. His mother, Marie, took him on a two-day journey to the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy® in search of free surgery. There, the volunteer surgeon, Dr. Tertius Venter, released the 13-year-old contracture in a successful two-hour operation. During his recovery, volunteer nurse Natasha Short became his close friend. Now, with a functional ankle, Tera can not only play soccer again but has reclaimed his favorite position as goalkeeper. Free from pain and isolation, the boy who wanted to be seen is now cheered on by his entire community. Stories of transformation like this are possible thanks to you! Visit nde.org.

In the first four months of 2025, Mercy Ships (Naves de Esperanza) has been in six African nations. The Global Mercy in Sierra Leone has performed 1,653 surgeries and trained 86 professionals. The Africa Mercy in Madagascar has carried out 517 surgeries and trained 23 experts. Additionally, land-based programs have reached Guinea Conakry, Benin, Guinea Bissau, and Togo, offering training and healthcare. All of this is possible thanks to people like you, who believe in free and safe healthcare.

Annica, a 9-year-old, basketball-loving dreamer in Madagascar, suffered severe burns at age 2. Lack of proper treatment, including a traditional healer, resulted in a contracture that fused her arms, limiting her movement and leading to the cruel nickname 'Annica without an armpit'. Her parents, lacking resources, considered taking out a loan. Hope arrived with the Mercy Ships hospital vessel Africa Mercy®, where Dr. Venter performed complex reconstructive surgery and a skin graft. After six weeks of rehabilitation, Annica gained total freedom in her arms. She can now dress herself, play basketball, and write on her school's blackboard, ready for a limitless future.

The faith of Marie Elisa, 45, in Madagascar, was tested when a simple toothache turned into an orange-sized tumor in her jaw. Unable to farm, her family lost income and her daughter left school. Desperate and without funds for surgery, hope arrived in a "divine" way: the Mercy Ships team changed their route due to a cyclone and found her by chance. After examination, Marie Elisa and her husband Claude (who had an eye problem) were scheduled for free surgeries aboard the Africa Mercy®. The complex surgery removed the tumor, restoring her ability to eat and work. Marie Elisa and Claude returned home healthy, with unwavering faith and a renewed future for their family.

In 2024, the hospital ships Global Mercy and Africa Mercy solidified their role as beacons of hope in Sierra Leone and Madagascar, thanks to over 1,700 international volunteers. The year's balance is immensely positive: the lives of more than 3,200 patients were transformed with free surgeries. Furthermore, local health systems were strengthened by training 949 professionals with over 159,000 hours of instruction across six African nations. We look with gratitude towards 2025, where we will continue the mission. Your support makes this transformation of lives and nations possible!

Alex, 23, in Sierra Leone, developed a life-threatening facial tumor on his jaw. After a failed surgery, the tumor returned aggressively, causing him isolation, mockery, and difficulty eating. His mother and brother, Ebenezer, searched tirelessly for help. Hope became reality when Mercy Ships returned to Sierra Leone. Alex was approved for surgery aboard the Global Mercy. Surgeon Dr. Dhillon performed the first stage of a complex operation to remove the tumor. Seeing his face without it filled him with joy. His community now celebrates him, and Alex is ready for a second reconstruction surgery, facing a future free of stigma and pain.